News
CDC And Development
Precisely, 24 years ago during the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who stepped aside from the White House at Aso Rock, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in August 1993, deemed it necessary to establish an institution known as Community Development Committee (alias CDC).
Obviously, before the creation of the CDC, there exists what was known as three-tier arms of recognised leadership organs i.e. The Federal, State and Local Governments respectively. However, the governments’ policies from the central authority can now be downloaded to the rural dwellers through the noble agency of Community Development Committee (CDC).
Invariably, the CDC is the government of the rural areas. Certainly, the affairs of the rural inhabitants could be channeled to the Local, State and Federal governments through the CDC that knows its rights and obligations.
Really, the primary assignment of the Community Development Community is to see to the general welfare of the people by means of strategising, planning and implementation of developmental projects. Of course, the day-to-day running of the community becomes paramount responsibility of the CDC in terms of passing necessary and relevant information, education the rural dwellers either through the Town Crier, Family Heads or by assembly the people at the Civic arena to address them appropriately on vital issues.
In the area of any educational establishment in the community, the CDC serves as the monitor or coordinator to harness the smooth operations of the institutions within its domain and create the atmosphere of unity and understanding through what is known as Teachers/Parents Association (alias PTA). The PTA is a forum whereby the developmental progress of various establishments in the rural areas is deliberated and proffers solution to itching problems.
Besides government agencies, there could be multipurpose limited companies operating in the rural domain. Herein, the CDC have a great task of liaising with such firm(s) and draws its attention to the rural areas of some developmental programmes to be instituted in order to enhance socio-economic, political, industrial and mental well being of the people. Without mincing words, CDC is very outstanding to the welfare of its people on which the entire community depends.
In fact, the CDC being the policy-making organ of the community would motivate other constituted organs of the community and work closely as a team. Nevertheless, the CDC would invariably serve as supervisory body to all developmental projects earmarked and cited for the rural community.
Furthermore, the CDC also serves as the chief security agency (CSA) of the community in the sense that nobody would be carried away from the community by any security agent without the knowledge of the CDC irrespective of the degree of offence. The CDC is the first port of call by any august visitor to the community in whose shoulder it is to arraign other constituted organs of the community before the entire community would be notified of the purpose of such visit.
In the light of the few enumerated functions, the CDC occupies and elevated position of honour and of course, should be transparent in its services to the people and not being corp of sycophants in disguise. However, CDC may equally connote ‘concise development of the community” which would be piloted by bonafide indigene of the community. Hence, the need to have visionary, objective and focused administrators in Community Development Committee (CDC) cannot be over stressed.
The visionary focus of the Federal Government of Nigeria under military regime of IBB in 1985 was highly laudable to have established Community Development Committee to reach the grassroots level of government’s administration. At this juncture, it behooves one to beckon the Presidency of the present dispensation to financially support the CDCs globally to enhance appropriate and adequate functioning at various localities.
Additionally, the Local Government Council could be authorised or mandated to coordinate elections of rural communities into the office of Community Development Committee (CDC) to create the impact of its importance in the scheme of things for the simple fact of avoiding arrogance and self-centredness amongst the leadership toxicants in the rural environment.
Ominyanwa is editor’s guest
G. N. Ominyanwa
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.